Charles D. "Chuck" Ward

South Glens Falls, NY

Charles D. “Chuck” Ward of Hudson Street passed away suddenly from natural causes Monday, June 25, 2018 at his home.  He was 53.

Born on January 3, 1965 in Granville, NY, he was the son of Winfield C. Ward and Vicky A. Stannard.

Charles grew up in Fort Ann, NY and was a 1985 graduate of Fort Ann Central School.  While in high school, he entered the US Navy’s Delayed Entry Program and completed basic training at the US Navy Great Lakes Recruit Training Command between his junior and senior years of high school.  After graduation, he continued onto Boatswains mate training and then was assigned to the USS Iwo Jima.

Based in Norfolk, VA, he completed three tours of duty on the USS Iwo Jima which included tours in the Mediterranean and Atlantic theatres. He then satisfied his Naval Reserve commitment with an Honorable Discharge.

Following discharge from Active Duty, he moved to Fair Haven, VT where he was employed at Rutland Plywood for several years prior to relocating to the Saratoga Springs, NY area.  For the past 18 years, he was employed at the Target Distribution Center in Wilton, NY.

Chuck was proud of his Naval career and was a “Paid Up For Life” Member of Hudson Falls American Legion Post 574.  He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast. He was an active member of the American Legion Riders, NY Chapter and the Patriot Guard.

He will be remembered as an “all around good guy”. He was always working on his “Bucket List”. He enjoyed touring on his motorcycle and last year completed a month long tour of the United States as well as taking annual vacations, most recently this year to Peru.  He enjoyed meeting the guys at the diner everyday and would often get everyone together for Wing Night or Pizza Night.

His parents pre-deceased him.

He leaves his companion of 18 years, Diane Holzschuh and her family of South Glens Falls, NY; his brother Bill Ward of Florida; his mother’s life partner Charles Towle of Fair Haven, VT; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Calling hours will be Saturday, June 30 from 12 Noon to 2:00pm at Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Avenue (Rte 9) Saratoga Springs.  At 2:00pm there will be a Celebration of Life Motorcycle Ride from Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., north to the Durfee Funeral Home, 119 North Main Street in Fair Haven, VT where calling hours will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. (Casual attire required). 

In keeping with Chuck’s wishes, following services, he will be “Buried at Sea” under the Command of the United States Navy Atlantic Command, Norfolk, VA. A Memorial Headstone will be erected in the Memorial Section of Saratoga National Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the joint direction of Glenn Ward at Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, and Durfee Funeral Home, 119 North Main Street, Fair Haven, VT.  Online guestbook at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

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